Italian press starts favouring Antonelli over Ferrari

The 'unthinkable' is happening

For decades, Ferrari has been the undisputed centre of gravity for Italian Formula 1 journalism. The Scuderia is, in every meaningful sense, the national team — a cultural institution that has long commanded the lion's share of column inches and broadcast hours produced in Italy. The idea that any driver could outshine Ferrari in the eyes of its home press would once have seemed unthinkable.

According to a paddock insider reported by Marca, Italian journalists have begun choosing Antonelli press conferences over Ferrari media sessions when the two clash for time. That is not a trivial anecdote. It is a telling signal that the Mercedes teenager has become, at least for now, the bigger story in Italian motorsport.

A once-in-a-generation talent

The speed of his ascent has caught almost everyone off guard, with the notable exception of Toto Wolff, his most outspoken champion. Jacques Villeneuve has even issued a public warning to the young Italian, urging him not to believe his own hype — a backhanded compliment that only underlines how seriously the paddock is taking his title challenge.

For Italian fans, Antonelli's emergence also carries deep historical resonance. He is the country's first Grand Prix winner since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006, and only four Italian drivers in F1 history have won more races than him. Among that exclusive group sits Alberto Ascari, Italy's most recent world champion, who claimed his second title back in 1953.

Monza and the Ferrari dilemma

Ferrari remain the closest challengers to Mercedes this season, yet they have not won a race since the tail end of the 2024 campaign. That gap in success, combined with Antonelli's extraordinary form, is reshaping the Italian F1 conversation in real time.

When the circus arrives at Monza in September, the grandstands will almost certainly still be draped in red. But if Antonelli enters the Italian Grand Prix as a firm championship leader — which, at this trajectory, he almost certainly will — the Tifosi will face a genuine emotional dilemma over who to cheer for.

The dream scenario for both fans and press would be Antonelli eventually lining up on the grid in a Ferrari. And according to one rumour circulating this week, Ferrari's ownership are already exploring a deal to make that happen — even if the timeline stretches years into the future. The longer Antonelli sustains this level of performance, the louder that speculation will grow.